An independent review into workplace culture at ACT Health will rely on existing privacy legislation to protect the confidentiality of staff, despite concerns from parts of the sector that it does not go far enough.
A three-member panel, chaired by former Queensland Health director-general Mick Reid, will examine systemic issues and individual complaints within the territory's health system.
Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris said she had tasked the panel with protecting the confidentiality of staff as a top priority.
"They can feel confident coming forward," she said.
Ms Fitzharris said those protections would be delivered through legislation already in place, including the Privacy Act, Public Sector Management Act and Fair Work Act.
"These powers are extensive, they are embedded in many pieces of our legislation and I am confident … that staff will be able to come forward," she said.
Review 'unlikely' to deliver meaningful results: AMA
The Australian Medical Association's ACT branch has been a vocal advocate for a full board of inquiry, an idea the Government has rejected.
Branch president Antonio Di Dio said the review would be insufficient.
"[It is] extremely unlikely to deliver to the consumers and staff of the territory the kind of results that they need in order for the review to be meaningful," he said.
Dr Di Dio said the legal basis for the review was unclear, particularly whether witnesses could be compelled to appear.
He warned that without those clear legal principles, people would not want to tell their stories.
"Should a review occur which does not have unambiguous and clear legal protections … it is inevitable that some or most people would be intimidated and feel unsafe in giving evidence," he said.
The Government said it would be up to the panel to decide whether to hold public hearings or not.
"This is a process and an opportunity to learn, to heal, to improve the workplace culture and the delivery of public health care," Ms Fitzharris said.
The panel's interim report will be delivered by the end of January, with a final report due at the end of March, both of which will be made public.
